Drinks cabinet: Lambs Navy Rum

One more from the cabinet. I have to admit, I was hesitant with this one, seeing it more as "an old man's drink" so the first sip was not completely neutral.

However, I was pleasantly surprised that it tasted quite good, in fact much better than the recent bottle of Captain Morgan's we finished off last week. It has a more 'raw' flavour than some of the other Rums we've tried.

Lambs started officially in 1865 and became more visible after Alfred Lamb established his cellars alongside the river Thames in 1849, the windjammers still had to out run the pirates to deliver the precious spirit to London. On the 10th and 11th May 1941, Alfred Lamb & Son were bombed out of their London permission on Great Tower Street, White, Keeling Rum Merchants were also bombed out of theirs during the Blitz that summer. So this rum blend has proven the tests of both the Navy and the many years since it started.

Thinking ahead, this is a rum that will feature occasionally in a smaller bottle in Shoestring's cabinet, mostly I'm ashamed to say due to the 'image of the brand'. Afterall, Havana Club is far more trendy, (but a bit more expensive).

Rating: 7/10 Price: £11.99 70cl average
Available from almost everywhere

Too much work so little free time

Bit quiet on here at the moment as we've all been busy with work, nevermind, give it a few weeks and i'll be vanishing off to Neyland for a weeks sailing and maintenance.

I've found some great articles on Folkboats out there on the electro-web so i'll send some links to these here soon.

Over 200 ships at the SeaFair

La Recouvrance, one of several classic tall ships set to participate in the event.

MARITIME FESTIVAL PASSES KEY MILESTONE

Milford Haven Port Authority has announced that its Seafair Haven festival has now attracted the interest of over 200 traditional and classic craft, that will visit the county between 18 - 25 June.

Taking place as the major attraction in the Authority’s year-long celebration of its 50th Anniversary, the event will be unlike any other currently hosted in the UK. On-water flotillas and shore-side events will combine in a week-long event that will welcome visiting sailors and spectators from all over Europe.

Mirroring the atmosphere and success of similar maritime festivals in France, the Port Authority will play host to a variety of traditional and classic vessels, in a celebration of Pembrokeshire’s maritime heritage and famed Haven Waterway.

Highlights of the week include the visits of five Tall Ships including the Earl of Pembroke, Jeannie Johnston, Kaskelot and La Recouvrance– all of which will be offering the opportunity of sailing trips on the Haven.

Not to mention that our very Shoestring will be playing a small part in the proceedings.

A number of Waterway communities are also heavily involved in ensuring the success of the festival, with over ten host ports planning a variety of on-shore events during the week. From live music and entertainment to the sampling of traditional Pembrokeshire produce, visiting flotillas and spectators will be welcomed by villages that line the shores of the Haven.

In contrast to the traditional craft, mid-week will also see the arrival and overnight stay of boats competing in the 2008 Round Britain Offshore Power Boat Race – a spectacular high-speed event of International fame.

Click here for more details on the SeaFair.